Strays by Britt Collins

Michael, a homeless drifter with a serious alcohol problem, finds that taking care of the stray cat he names Tabor gives him a whole new perspective on life and love. Michael takes Tabor on his travels across the western United States. As the two get involved in various scrapes, their bond deepens. Finally Michael takes the cat to the vet. Tabor’s microchip reveals that she does have a home. Her original owner, Ron, is a emotionally fragile man who has been in mourning for the cat he called Mata since she disappeared.

Told in alternating chapters balancing Michael’s and Ron’s points of view, this book snuck up on me. Although it is easy to compare this book with James Bowen’s hugely successful Street Cat Bob series, the tone of this book is completely different and not quite as heartwarming. But by the end, when Michael is making the grave decision whether to return Tabor to her rightful owner or disappear with her again, I genuinely cared about the outcome. Recommended for all cat lovers. Find it in our catalog here.